3 things you missed in government last week

From the Fairway to the Green: Legislative Session Moves Forward

The legislative calendar doesn’t always line up perfectly with the Masters Tournament in Augusta, but we couldn’t resist the comparison. Both are high-stakes, strategy-driven, and full of unexpected turns. Both require focus and a strong finish. The Illinois legislative session has reached its halfway point. Like at the Masters, we’ve completed the front nine and we’re headed into the back nine with solid momentum. In the legislature, no bill is ever truly out until the session officially ends, which for now is scheduled for May 31. Still, the halfway point offers a helpful snapshot of what’s moving.

Nominate Your Local Dental Hero - Recognition They Deserve

Has a colleague of yours made a difference in your community? We want to hear about it.

ISDS Trustee at Large Position

The ISDS Board of Trustees now includes an "at-large" position, established in 2022, which can be filled by a qualified member from any component society. Dr. Keith Evans currently holds this position until 2026.

Election Notice for 2025 ISDS House of Delegates

The 2025 ISDS House of Delegates will be held September 12-13 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center in Peoria, IL.

Illinois Medicaid Orthodontic Scoring Tool Officially Updated

ISDS is proud to share a significant advocacy win that reflects the power of our collective voice.

March Legislative Update

The 2025 legislative session is underway, with over 6,600 bills being introduced. ISDS is closely tracking more than 175 of them for their potential impact on dentistry. While we're still in the early stages, the session runs through the end of May, and we’ll need your engagement to help advance our priorities.

Down State Society Caucus is now accepting Nominations for ADA Delegates and Alternates for 2026

Nominations are now being accepted for Delegates and Alternates to serve Illinois in the Eighth District Delegation to the 2026 ADA House of Delegates in Indianapolis, Indiana. “We encourage the election of ADA Council members and first time or new dentist delegates for our delegation to better represent the dentists of Illinois.” Election of the Delegates and Alternates will be conducted at the Downstate Dental Society Caucus meeting on Saturday September 13, 2025, during the ISDS Annual Session in Peoria.

Protecting Your Patients and Your Practice Key to 2025 ISDS Legislative Agenda

Following Laws Effective January 1, 2025:

Member Alert! Illinois Dental News Going Digital!

Important Notice: New Third-Party Financing Regulations

Save the Date for the 2025 Capital Conference

Celebrate National Flossing Day with ISDS!

Legislation Passes that Shapes Regulations for Third-Party Financing in the Dental Office

Calling all past & future GKAS event hosts!

Sign up for the ADA Foundation's Give Kids a Smile!

ISDS and IDFPR launch new campaign!

ISDS and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) have launched a joint campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of unlicensed dentists.

New Law Inspired by Illinois Jaw Cancer Patients’ Struggle Closes Health Insurance Gaps

Too many Illinoisans struggle to receive the medical care they need, including those with health insurance,” said Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview). “SB3305 ensures that patients who need crucial jaw surgery, which often includes cancer patients, can get the care they need.”

Donate to the $50,000 challenge!

An anonymous donor has generously offered to match all donations with a contribution of their own, dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $50,000.

Ransomware on the Rise: Steps to Protect Your Practice and Systems from Cyber Disruption

When a cyberattack hits, your practice comes to a screeching halt. A compromised system can mean no access to schedules, billing or patient records. Learn how to proactively protect your systems, prevent cyber incidents and responsibly respond to a ransomware attack.

ISDS Foundation Announces the 2024 Scholarship Winners

The Illinois State Dental Society Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of this year's scholarship program. After carefully considering and evaluating numerous applications, we are proud to award scholarships to the following outstanding individuals.